How I plan a layover on my way to La Fortezza:: Milan!

When coming to my workshop in Fivizzano, the cheapest flights are to Milan. Why not spend a day or two exploring the city?! I love layovers especially, Milan layovers.The Milan Airport, Malpenza airport is about 45 minutes from the city center. Needless to say, taking the train from the airport is the way to go. Note driving in Milan is very challenging. Parking is virtually impossible (unless you stay over night then parking at the hotel makes it easy).If you're staying over night, then feel free to rent a car, although honestly, I still advise against it.Overnight, I recommend the Rosa Grand Hotel.  It has a great location, is affordable and well run. Of course you can stay in the Armani, or Bulgari, but I prefer to have aperitivo in those hotels.Once I check in, I head to the the Duomo. It's a great place to take a selfie and to people watch. Plus there are tons of places to grab an espresso.The Galleria is amazing and is located adjacent to the Duomo.I like eating at the top of the Rinascente Department store rooftop restaurant .Yes it is literally right next to the Duomo, and you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and aperitivo on the rooftop.After lunch, I love going to the Brera Shopping district. It's where the art school is, so you can imagine it is filled with amazing shops and hip artisan wears. Of course if you're more interested in designer shopping, there is the  Via della Spiga shopping district.There are so many must sees in Brera:Don't miss the Rosanna Orlandi store. They have home furnishings that will blow you mind. Wait and See is one of my favorite clothing stores in Milan and across the street is Funky Table Milano, my favorite home accessories and tabletop store. Here's an entire blog post about Wait and See.You can also visit the Villa where I am Love was filmed in. Read about it here. Villa Necchi If you want a destination that you can tour and have lunch, head to Prada Foundation, a wonderful museum that is architecturally inspirational...with the Luce restaurant designed by Wes Anderson, it's a great way to spend a few hours on your layover.Don't forget to grab an espresso and a pastry at one of the oldest pasticceria in Milan, Marchesi.Whatever you plan, make sure to wander the city and enjoy all the sites.Layovers can be great. Why don't you join us in Italy, so you can plan one soon?! Safe travels!xx Annette